Empowering UCLA's Entrepreneurial Spirit

The Bruin Angels is an investor network under the UCLA Alumni Association. Our mission is to support the UCLA
entrepreneurial ecosystem by bringing Bruin alumni to bear as angel investors deploying capital for UCLA’s most
promising startup companies.

We host regular events to source investment, facilitate learning about angel investing, and create
opportunities for members to connect with one another, other angel groups, and Bruin-led startups.

Join Our Community of Visionary Investors

Bruin Angels is always looking for new members to expand our circle. By joining us, you gain the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship. As a member, you’ll have access to exclusive events, networking opportunities, and resources designed to foster angel investing expertise and strengthen the UCLA entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting your journey in angel investing, Bruin Angels provides a platform to learn, grow, and make a tangible impact on emerging startups led by UCLA alumni.

Companies Seeking Funding

Companies who are seeking funding need to first apply here and complete an application.  If you have already started your organization on Spark XYZ you can use the same application. Please make sure to review our FAQs

upcoming events

January 31
January 29
January 29 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
January 29 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
January 29

Our Valued Partners

Our Leadership

Matt Sferrazza

President

Matt Sferrazza works in securities law advising a variety of clients that range from new startups to established public companies. He also has significant corporate governance experience. As President Matt is responsible for building out Bruin Angels as an organization and deciding the strategy for growth and establishment of the program.

Rod Ponce

Vice President

Rod Ponce has been in the financial services industry since 2005, from wealth management to business banking and residential lending. He is heavily involved in Bruin Professionals, the UCLA Alumni network, and Toastmasters International. As Vice President Rod is responsible for operations of Bruin Angels.

David Franklin

Deal Flow Committee

David Franklin is a UCLA Anderson Alumni.  During his time at Anderson, David was head of Venture Capital programs as part of the Price Center and an inaugural member of the Technology and Innovation Partners (TIPS) program, bringing together all of the UCLA schools to foster entrepreneurship.  David and his team also tied for first place at the Knapp Business Plan Competition.  David went on to be an active member of the Houston Angels network and co-founded a micro VC, Houston Health Ventures, while residing in Houston, Texas.  After moving back to Los Angeles, David co-founded Expertise.com in the lead generation and digital marketing space, which was acquired in early 2024.

Brija Johnson

Campus Relations Chair

Brija Johnson is the Program Director for UCLA Ventures. She joined UCLA TDG in April 2021 as the Technology Scouting Manager for the SCALE initiative. In her role, she works closely with the Starburst accelerator to recruit and support startups in the aerospace sector. Prior to joining TDG, Brija worked as a Program Manager for Springboard Enterprises and was a Scholar in Residence at Zane Venture Fund. As Campus Relations Chair, Brija is responsible for syncing activities with the UCLA community, to make sure that Bruin Angels serves the needs of UCLA.

Vinnie Shahzad

Marketing Chair

Vinnie Shahzad is an Executive MBA graduate from UCLA Anderson School of Management and new dad. A product manager with 11 years of experience leading product strategy Vinnie is interested in helping build startups from zero to one. As Marketing Chair Vinnie manages the production of written content, including the website.

Marion Patricio

Membership Chair

Marion Patricio is an innovative fundraiser with expertise in the intersection of entrepreneurship, venture capital, and philanthropy. As Membership Chair Marion is responsible for the recruitment of new members as well as communications with current members.

Join the Bruin Angels Network Today

Become a part of our exclusive community of investors and help support the next
generation of UCLA-driven startups. Apply for membership now and contribute to
the growth of the UCLA entrepreneurial ecosystem!

FAQs

Bruin Angels is a group of enthusiastic UCLA alumni who believe there should be a steady stream of entrepreneurial successes emanating from UCLA – Bruin Unicorns!  We focus on supporting UCLA’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.  This includes on-campus efforts, alumni efforts, coordinating with ecosystems of peer institutions, and generally supporting local efforts adjacent to UCLA as appropriate.  Our group is authorized by the UCLA Alumni Association with relevant approvals in July 2024.

$1,200 paid annually.  If you join by January 31st (the first year will be $900)

The suggested minimum is $10,000 annually.  It’s a suggestion rather than a requirement because we want to balance supporting Bruin founders with ensuring that our angels retain their investment discretion.